Trustee Gift Supports Softball Fields at Athletic Campus

The Palm Beach Atlantic University Lady Sailfish softball team is closer to playing ball in their new home, thanks to a gift from Board of Trustees member Robert W. Simpson and his wife, Denice.

The Simpsons, longtime supporters of the University, have been at the forefront of the campaign to build PBA’s Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus.

Palm Beach Atlantic University Trustee Robert W. Simpson (left), his wife, Denice, and University President William M. B. Fleming Jr. tour the press box under construction at the baseball and softball fields on the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus.

“We are thrilled to provide another piece of the Rinker Athletic Campus,” the Simpsons said. “Ladies softball, while very competitive, will show others what it means to put Christ first.”

Simpson is president of Palm Beach Motor Cars Limited and has been on the University’s Board of Trustees since 1998.

Athletic Director Carolyn Stone recently toured the complex with the Simpsons, along with University President William M. B. Fleming Jr. and Vice President for Development Vicki Pugh.

“The Simpsons’ generosity will greatly enhance not only the student athlete experience, but all those who will visit the Rinker Athletic Campus,” Stone said.

“Our quest to build state-of-the-art athletic facilities as a venue to share the gospel is made possible by this gift and Robert and Denice’s expressed mission of evangelism and discipleship through the athletic venue. We are excited to play ball soon, and this gift certainly makes that dream a reality.”

The softball fields are expected to be complete by the start of the 2014-15 academic year. In the meantime, the team, under the leadership of head coach Kimmy Bloemers, kicks off its 2014 campaign by taking part in the Sunshine State Conference/Peachbelt Conference Crossover on Feb. 1-2 in Columbus, Ga.

“To win it takes a team working together, and the Simpsons exemplify a team spirit that is taking Palm Beach Atlantic University to new heights both on and off the athletic field,” President Fleming said. “We are grateful for their generosity, their tireless leadership and their dedication to Christian higher education.”